Merlot

Originating from Bordeaux, Merlot is a darkly blue-coloured, thin skinned wine grape that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. As of 2004, Merlot was estimated to be the third most grown variety globally, with an increasing trend. France is home to nearly two thirds of the world's total plantings and is also grown in Italy, California, Australia, Argentina, Greece, New Zealand, and South Africa among other countries. French merlot wines come from Right Bank in Bordeaux. Merlot is also used as a blending grape in Super Tuscan wines. There are three main styles of Merlot wines — a soft, fruity, smooth wine with very little tannins, a fruity wine with more tannic structure and, finally, a brawny, highly tannic style. Merlot is one of the primary grapes in Bordeaux wine. In the traditional Bordeaux blend, Merlot's role is to add body and softness.